The primary aim of the dissertation research was to describe levels of biomarkers of mitochondrial function, fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and at the completion of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (NM-PC).

To achieve this aim a secondary analysis of a descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted (#10-NR-0128).

Results:

A total of n = 22 men with NM-PC were included in this study.

There were significant increases in fatigue and a significant decrease HRQOL from baseline to the completion of EBRT.

However, there was no significant change in the biomarkers of mitochondrial function from baseline to EBRT completion.

Given the exploratory nature of the study, it was decided to further investigate the patient sample to understand the relationship of fatigue and mitochondrial function in a well-characterized fatigue phenotype.

There was preliminary evidence to support the possibility of distinct patterns of mitochondrial enzyme levels between those with a high intensification of fatigue and those with a low intensification of fatigue during EBRT; however, these differences were not statistically significant.

Discussion:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the relationship between mitochondrial enzymes and fatigue before and during EBRT in men with NM-PC.

The most important preliminary finding from this study is the possibility that mitochondrial enzymes might be related to fatigue intensification during EBRT.

Future studies will be critical to determine if these preliminary findings are replicable, and if so, whether there are potential therapeutic targets in individuals at highest risk for fatigue intensification during EBRT.